Fenerbahce ends Real Madrid's European streak in the agony of the last second
It had to be on the extra time horn, in the most incredible way possible, with a loss from the one who until then was the hero and with an agonizing basket from Madar. This had to be how Real Madrid's streak in the Euroleague was broken, an inertia that was not enough in Istanbul, to the ecstasy of a Fenerbahce that believed in itself when it seemed like the umpteenth white victim until a victory of those that change inertia. [100-99: Narration and statistics]
The eleventh in a row did not arrive despite Campazzo's 33 points, his record in Europe. Despite Madrid's once again thunderous start that seemed to get everything back on track or win by up to 14 in the last act. Despite an end to the game with the ball in Deck's hands, who stumbled inopportunely and everything went to overtime. Fenerbahçe lost him there again after two worthy actions by Poirier (94-98). But Hezonja missed his first free throw of the Euroleague season and Campazzo fell into the Turkish defensive trap, Guduric stole and Madar completed an amazing comeback.
It is the second defeat of the entire season for Madrid, the first in Europe, after 24 games. A balance that remains extraordinary, although also the wear and tear. It was suffered by a Madrid that undoubtedly paid for its fatigue in Istanbul (two days before it triumphed in Belgrade against Maccabi), that was not able to close the night this time and that died due to its errors after 45 minutes of a very tough battle.
But nothing predicted the first defeat. Because, in such competitive inertia, Madrid woke up full again, with a first quarter in which Campazzo, without error, had scored the same points as all of Fenerbahçe (16). It was another knock on the table to set the record straight.. If on Tuesday in Belgrade he did not need to silence the atmosphere of the deserted Pionir Hall, two days later in Istanbul he did silence the Ulker Sports Hall at times.
Madrid led by 13, surpassed by Calathes who has long been far from being what he was. With the young Madar at the controls, a type at the antipodes of the Greek (electric, shooter…), the Fenerbahçe fueled in a different way. With a lot of roughness – between stops and controversies – he was cutting back and getting into the game, with Guduric from the perimeter and Motley in the paint doing damage. Almost on the brink of the local comeback (33-35), Deck and Campazzo returned to restore order before the break.
Deck's mistake
But Itoudis' team had discovered the correct rhythm to at least be able to stand up to Madrid. With no trace of Calathes – or the giant Papagianis – and a high level of aggressiveness, Fenerbahçe approached again while Tavares committed the third. But, like a little torture, every time he sensed the comeback another white blow appeared, now with Llull taking responsibility.
Deck, against Fenerbahce. EFE
There are too many weapons in this Madrid with confidence through the roof. The following attack seemed to frustrate the options of a Fenerbahce that had accumulated four defeats in a row in Europe. An incredible two plus one from Musa and a block from Poirier were like a jab on the chin of the Turkish resistance. But he continued to press, now Calathes was back to desperate. A triple from the Greek, another from Guduric and a final one from Wilbekin that tied it at 87. Deck failed (this time the final option was not Llull) and the duel, already red hot, went to extra time.
There Campazzo appeared again, scoring and connecting with Poirier. And everything seemed to be won by Madrid, which, however, got tangled up in an unusual ending. “We couldn't finish the job,” acknowledged Chus Mateo, who lost for the first time to Itoudis. His team is still at the top of the Euroleague.